Sister Ann Sakac, OP (Sister John Mary) of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, entered eternal life on January 24, 2024, in Bronxville. She was 91 years old.
The daughter of the late John Joseph and Mary (Fallon Barbera) Sakac, she was born July 24, 1932, in Passaic, New Jersey.
Sister Ann entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, New York, in September 1951, made her First Profession in June 1953, and Final Profession in August 1956. Sister Ann earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Villanova, her M.A. in English from Catholic University, and her Ph.D. in higher education and English from Catholic University.
Sister Ann began her teaching ministry at Saint Rose School in Haddon Heights, New Jersey, where she taught from 1953-58. Later in 1958, she taught English at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie until 1966.
In 1969, after pursuing full-time studies, Sister Ann went to work at Mount Saint Mary College where she spent almost 40 years (1969-2008), first as an English professor, acting registrar for a year, then as Assistant Dean of Students, acting president for a year, and finally a 32-year tenure as the college’s president, a position she held until her retirement in 2008 as President Emerita.
During her presidency at the Mount, the college grew in programs and enrollment. Her love of the college and students stands as a testament to her dedication. She is remembered fondly by the alumni, faculty, and staff. In 2003 to honor of her outstanding leadership, the college Board of Trustees named the newly built residence hall Sakac Hall at its dedication. At the time she quipped, “I thought these things happened after you were dead.”
Her leadership also extended to the greater Newburgh community. Sister Ann served the Newburgh community on many boards including St. Luke’s Hospital, Pattern for Progress, Kaplan Family Foundation, Warwick Foundation and Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties.
Sister Ann’s legacy is the spirit she developed at the college and in the Newburgh community. She always took personal interest in all she met. During her tenure she could be found at athletic events as well as lectures. She was an exceptional teacher, mentor, and leader.
Sister is predeceased by her parents John and Mary Sakac and her brother John.
Sister Ann is survived by her Dominican Sisters, her sister-in-law Jean Sakac and five nieces and nephews. She is also survived by the many she influenced at Mount Saint Mary College.
Internment took place at the Dominican Sisters’ Cemetery at Mount Saint Mary College.
Donations in Sister Ann’s memory can be made to the Dominican Sisters of Hope Development Office, 299 N. Highland Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brooks Funeral Home of Newburgh.